Toyota to go the Renault way; plans to launch new compact SUV, Rush in India by 2014

The mini SUV will take on Renault’s Duster and the upcoming Ford EcoSport.

The launch of Renault Duster just might have opened up the flood gates of what is yet an unknown segment for the car buyers here in India. Until now, compact SUVs were virtually unheard of in our country where big, brawny SUVs are still the definitive tool for ruling the roads. Now though, with the advent of Duster and the upcoming Ford EcoSport, compact SUVs sure do look promising to attract a new niche of buyers.

Japanese carmaker Toyota too, is now looking to join the party with a compact SUV with sub-Rs 10 lakh price-tag. The new arrival into the Indian market is speculated to be a mini SUV called the Rush, which is already being sold in many Asian markets like Japan, China and Malaysia. The Rush compact SUV that originally came into being in 2006, is practically at the end of its product cycle and will be replaced by a newer version, which is currently being developed by the company. The next-generation Rush mini-SUV is expected to be market-ready by 2013 after-which, the model is expected to land on the Indian shores in mid-2014. When launched, it will go head-on with Renault’s Duster and the Ford EcoSport.

The Rush is sold overseas with a 1.5-litre petrol engine and comes in either five or seven seater configuration. Although for India, Toyota might plonk in a 1.4-litre D4-D diesel engine from the Corolla Altis. The Rush also comes with 4WD though it will not be offered here.